Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number:
DRAM 221
Course Title:
Beginning Acting I
Credits:
3
Date of Outline:
February 24, 2004
2. Course Description:
Provides individual exercises and group
rehearsals of beginning acting. Emphasizes
voice, movement, and relaxation. Students
must perform in direction of class scenes.
3. Contact Hours/Type:
2 hour/lecture-lab
4. Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Approved by
Date
5. General Course Objectives:
Students will select, rehearse and present scenarios, monologues, brief scenes, and
structured improvisations for performance. They will work both individually and
collaboratively, rehearsing various performance pieces. They will analyze and critique
professional/amateur-acting performances from the stage and screen.
6. Student Learning Outcomes:
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7, Recommended Course Content
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. perform, clear, well-rehearsed scenes, monologues, scenarios and structured
improvisations, utilizing skills and techniques learned in class;
b. demonstrate knowledge of the craft of acting and the requirements for a successful
performance;
c. gather information from various sources, including, scripts, texts, videos and other
electronic media; use it to formulate, create and present polished stage performances;
d. work collaboratively on projects, presentations and performances, both written and oral;
e. analyze individual scripts and identify given circumstances provided by the playwright.
7. Recommended Course Content and Approximate Time Spent on Each Topic:
Linked to #6, Student Learning Outcomes
1 week:
Discussion of theatre/acting terminology (b, d)
2-3 weeks:
Analysis of various acting approaches (b, c, e)
2-3 weeks:
Selection and rehearsal of monologues (c, e)
3-4 weeks:
Selection, rehearsal and performance of scenes (d, e)
1-2 weeks:
Participation in improvised scenes (d)
2-3 weeks:
Preparation, rehearsal and performance for final presentation (a, c, e)
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content:
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those
currently available in the field. Examples include:
Text:
Acting by Robert Cohen
Materials:
Articles
Scripts
Handouts
Other relevant materials provided by the instructor
Others:
Videotapes
Audiotapes
Guest speakers
Field trips to local theaters
Internet sites
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation:
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is
being offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to, the following:
10-20%
In-class improvisations
20-30%
Monologue performances
25-35%
Scene performances
20-25%
Homework assignments
10-20%
Quizzes
20-30%
Attendance & participation
10. Methods of Instruction:
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at the
discretion of the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
instructor lectures;
guest lecturers;
class discussions;
video presentations/computer presentations;
video performances/live performances;
student performances, individual and group;
student presentations, individual and group;
service learning, collaborative learning, and experiential learning.